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Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies

Welcome to the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies

Named after Samuel Zwemer, "Apostle to Islam," the program was launched in 1979 and over the years has offered in-depth courses in Islam, produced papers, fostered dialogues and facilitated research on pertinent topics, earning an esteemed position in Christian mission circles. This is the place where Christian scholars, field missionaries and missionaries-in-training can access the most comprehensive information on Islam and Muslim-Christian relations available.

He is the President Emeritus of the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. He served with the IMB for 40 years, the last 17 years as president. Prior to becoming president of the IMB, Dr. Rankin and his wife Bobbye served for 23 years in Asia, initially as missionaries in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world. He has authored several books and is also Adjunct Faculty at CIU.

Trevor Castor, Assistant Director

He and his wife Katie served as missionaries with Youth with a Mission for seven years. During their missionary service, they worked in South Asia among a 100% Muslim population. After returning from the field, Trevor completed a Master’s Degree from Columbia International University in Muslim Studies. He is a PhD candidate at the Melbourne School of Theology and teaches at CIU.

He and his wife Carol served for 23 years in Pakistan with Christar. He is a faculty member of the Seminary and School of Ministry at Columbia International University. Due to his understanding of radical Islam, he has been quoted widely in both Christian and secular publications. Dr. Larson is the former Director of the Zwemer Center.

Dr. David Cashin, Muslim Studies Faculty

For nine years he and his wife Margareta served in Bangladesh as missionaries, church planters, educators and development workers with SIM International. He is a faculty member of the Seminary and School of Ministry at Columbia International University. Dr. Cashin has published numerous articles and is a sought after speaker on the topics related to the Islam and missions.

Dr. Mike Barnett, Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies

He and Cindy served 12 years with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention working in the 10/40 Window. Dr. Barnett teaches courses on church planting movements, leadership, teams, creative access (business and missions), and the history of global Christianity. He also serves as a missions strategy consultant for mission organizations.